OKAFOR, CHANDLER SWITCH SQUADS
The Charlotte Bobcats acquired center Tyson Chandler from the New Orleans Hornets for center Emeka Okafor.
What does it give the Charlotte Hornets
This is an interesting deal for the Bobs, albeit a bit of a head-scratcher. Despite the struggles of Okafor to become a top scorer, Chandler is not an upgrade in that sense and his injury history (including needing ankle and toe surgery this off-season) is troublesome. He is, however, the defense-first type of player Charlotte head coach Larry Brown covets, and is also a great athlete who can run the floor better than Okafor (when focused and healthy). Moreover, the fact Chandler has only two years left on his contract gives the Bobs options they wouldn't have had with Okafor locked in for five more seasons.
What does it give the New Orleans Pelicans
The Hornets seemed to sour on Chandler last season when he yet again underachieved and got injured. Things got worse when a trade they had for him with Oklahoma City fell through due to the Thunder's concern about a toe problem. Getting Okafor straight up for Chandler here is a potential coup for New Orleans, since Okafor is a much more consistent player and is also a solid team leader type. If his offensive game improves (which it should playing with point guard Chris Paul), Okafor has the goods to become a truly elite center with the Hornets.
Fantasy impact
